Staff Accountant

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority • San Jose, CA

8d • $48 - $58 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority seeks a Staff Accountant to ensure operational efficiency through the day-to-day functions of the Authority’s accounting processes, supporting all projects and programs of the Authority’s mission and ensuring accuracy and transparency to the public.

Our mission is to conserve the natural environment, support agriculture, and connect people to nature by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993 the Open Space Authority has protected thousands of acres of natural and working lands across the Santa Clara Valley. Our agency manages and conserves a network of open space lands and natural resources, while providing compatible opportunities for hiking, biking, and equestrian uses, with a focus on increasing equity of access to the outdoors for all our constituents.

We know our continued success depends on our employees and the work they do. We are committed to providing a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages growth and development; and acknowledges individual and team achievements.

The Ideal Candidate

You are highly organized, detail oriented and possess strong analytical skills with at least 3 years of experience in government accounting, including understanding of GAAP and fund accounting. You also have proven skills in handling multiple projects and responsibilities, balancing recurring day-to-day work with longer term initiatives.

You are excited about operating as the Staff Accountant to a mission driven organization, independently handling the day-to-day functions of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and supporting payroll. You also have demonstrated accounting acumen and experience reviewing and managing trial balances, reconciling accounts, preparing journal entries, recording and managing fixed assets, and completing month-, quarter- and year-end processes. You also have experience completing annual reporting items such as sales and use tax and 1099 filing.

You review general ledger transactions with a discerning eye for accuracy and budget allocation, using strong communication skills to inquire for clarity if needed. You approach every task with integrity and accuracy, understanding the critical importance of valid reporting to managers and the public. You have demonstrated your ability to be resourceful in completing your work, using proactive problem-solving skills, advanced planning and organization. Previous employers and colleagues describe you as consistent and reliable with a strong work ethic, service-oriented approach and excellent accounting skills.

You have experience with software programs such as enterprise accounting systems and ADP Workforce Now. You possess advanced level Microsoft Excel skills, with a proven track record of building complex pivot tables, writing formulas, and manipulating large datasets with confidence. Basic business terms are a part of your vocabulary; you can communicate on this topic with ease and explain financial concepts in easy-to-understand terms.

You’ll be a part of the Administrative Operations Department that provides operational excellence throughout the office, working with a positive outlook and an eye for efficiency. We pride ourselves on our exceptional and professional customer service to our colleagues and partners.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in government accounting.
• Understanding of GAAP and fund accounting.
• Proven skills in handling multiple projects and responsibilities, balancing recurring day-to-day work with longer term initiatives.
• Experience with software programs such as enterprise accounting systems and ADP Workforce Now.
• Advanced level Microsoft Excel skills, with a proven track record of building complex pivot tables, writing formulas, and manipulating large datasets with confidence.
• Ability to communicate on financial topics with ease and explain financial concepts in easy-to-understand terms.
• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
• Three (3) years of professional accounting experience, government accounting experience.
• Experience working in enterprise accounting systems, the Authority uses Acumatica.
• Hands-on experience with full-cycle accounting processes, reconciliations, period closes, and daily functions of accounts payable and receivable.
• An understanding of payroll accounting and retirement reporting.
• Advanced data analysis skills in MS Excel, using tools such as pivot tables, V-Lookups, and conditional formatting.
• Must take and pass a pre-employment background check.

Responsibilities

• Independently handling the day-to-day functions of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and supporting payroll.
• Reviewing and managing trial balances.
• Reconciling accounts.
• Preparing journal entries.
• Recording and managing fixed assets.
• Completing month-, quarter- and year-end processes.
• Completing annual reporting items such as sales and use tax and 1099 filing.
• Reviewing general ledger transactions with a discerning eye for accuracy and budget allocation.
• Inquiring for clarity if needed using strong communication skills.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 100% of the cost for medical, dental, and vision premiums covered for employees and their dependents
• CalPERS retirement programs
• Separate 457 Plan for tax deferred retirement savings
• Basic life insurance policy provided to all eligible employees
• Option to purchase additional personal insurance benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level